Name: Chocolate Biscuit Yule Log Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 4 h 45 min
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 580 g Bourbon biscuits; 60 g Butter; 100 g Caster sugar; 30 g Cocoa powder; 125 ml Cold water; 120 g Butter, softened; 300 g Icing sugar; 2-3 Tablespoons Milk; 1 Teaspoon Vanilla extract; 200 g Dark chocolate, finely chopped; 200 ml Double cream

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 25 reviews

If you’re on the quest for a show-stopping, crowd-pleasing festive treat, this Chocolate Biscuit Yule Log Recipe is your new best friend. Combining the crunch and rich cocoa flavor of bourbon biscuits with a silky buttercream and luscious dark chocolate ganache, it’s a dessert that manages to be both beautifully rustic and decadently indulgent. Whether it’s your Christmas centerpiece or a special occasion delight, this no-bake creation has a magnetic charm that brings joy to every bite and smiles to every table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl holds a thick, dark brown dough with a rough, slightly crumbly texture, with bits sticking to the sides of the bowl. A wooden spoon with some dough on it rests inside the bowl near the bottom, being held by a woman's hand. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, with warm yellow fairy lights softly glowing in the background, creating a cozy atmosphere. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Although the ingredient list might seem lengthy, each item is straightforward and plays a vital role in bringing together the perfect balance of texture, flavor, and richness in your Chocolate Biscuit Yule Log Recipe. From the crumbly biscuits to the creamy filling and glossy ganache, every component is essential to the final magical result.

580 g Bourbon biscuits: These form the crunchy base and add deep cocoa notes to your log.
60 g Butter: Melts into the biscuit crumbs to bind them together deliciously.
100 g Caster sugar: Sweetens the biscuit mixture just right without overpowering.
30 g Cocoa powder: Amplifies the chocolate flavor and gives a rich color.
125 ml Cold water: Helps dissolve sugar and blend ingredients smoothly.
120 g Butter, softened: The velvety base for the buttercream filling.
300 g Icing sugar: Sweetens and lightens the buttercream for a fluffy texture.
2-3 Tablespoons Milk: Adjusts the consistency of the buttercream to spreadable perfection.
1 Teaspoon Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the buttercream filling.
200 g Dark chocolate, finely chopped: For a luxurious ganache top coat with a bittersweet edge.
200 ml Double cream: Creamy partner to melted dark chocolate, making the ganache silky and smooth.

How to Make Chocolate Biscuit Yule Log Recipe

Step 1: Blitz the Bourbon Biscuits

Start by pulsing those bourbon biscuits in a food processor or blender until they turn into fine crumbs. This crumbly texture is the foundation of your yule log’s body and gives it that satisfying bite we all crave.

Step 2: Melt and Mix the Cocoa Mixture

Gently melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat. Once melted, stir in the caster sugar, cocoa powder, and cold water. Crank up the heat slightly to medium-high and keep stirring gently for around five minutes until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture is smooth and glossy. This warm mixture will blend beautifully with your biscuit crumbs.

Step 3: Combine and Cool

Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the cocoa mixture cool for about 15 minutes. This step is crucial because pouring hot liquid on your biscuit crumbs would make everything soggy rather than delightfully sticky.

Step 4: Mix the Biscuit Crumbs with Cocoa Mixture

Pour the cooled cocoa mixture over the biscuit crumbs and mix thoroughly. The crumbs will soak in the rich chocolate syrup, creating a chocolaty, malleable dough ready to be shaped.

Step 5: Prepare the Buttercream Filling

Whip together the softened butter and icing sugar until smooth and fluffy. Add the milk little by little until the buttercream spreads easily, then stir in the vanilla extract for that extra comforting aroma and flavor.

Step 6: Shape the Biscuit Mixture

Lay a large sheet of clingfilm on your workspace and dump your biscuit mixture onto it. Use your hands to press it into a rough rectangle shape, then cover with another clingfilm sheet and roll out gently with a rolling pin until you reach approximately 10 by 14 inches. This thin, even layer will make rolling easier later on.

Step 7: Spread Buttercream and Roll

Remove the top clingfilm and spread your luscious buttercream evenly over the biscuit rectangle, leaving a small perimeter untouched to help seal the log when rolled. Use the bottom clingfilm to assist you in rolling the biscuit sheet into a tight log shape.

Step 8: Chill the Log

Transfer your rolled yule log carefully onto a serving plate or cutting board and pop it into the refrigerator for at least three hours to firm up. This chilling step ensures a clean slice and helps the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 9: Make the Ganache

After two hours of chilling, you can start preparing the irresistible ganache. Gently melt the finely chopped dark chocolate with double cream over very low heat or in a double boiler, stirring until smooth and shiny. Set the ganache aside to thicken for about an hour, which will make it perfect for spreading.

Step 10: Assemble the Final Log

Once your ganache has thickened and the biscuit log is chilled, remove the log from the fridge. Cut a diagonal slice off one side of the log and place it to the side to mimic branches of a traditional yule log. Cover the entire log generously with the ganache, using a fork to create natural, wavy bark-like ridges for authentic texture.

Step 11: Chill and Finish

Return the ganache-covered log to the refrigerator for at least one more hour to set fully. Before serving, dust lightly with icing sugar for a snowy, festive touch.

How to Serve Chocolate Biscuit Yule Log Recipe

The image shows a chocolate roll cake with two visible layers: a dark brown outer chocolate layer with a rough, textured look and a smooth, creamy white inner layer that is evenly swirled inside the roll. The cake is placed on a white cake stand set on a white marbled surface. On top of the cake, there are small red berries and green leaves as decoration. In the foreground, there are frosted pine cones and white ornamental balls on branches, giving a snowy effect. The background is softly lit with small blurred lights, enhancing the festive atmosphere. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your Chocolate Biscuit Yule Log Recipe even further, adorn it with fresh raspberries or holly leaves for a pop of color and seasonal cheer. A sprinkle of edible glitter or silver dragées can add a magical sparkle that captures the holiday spirit perfectly.

Side Dishes

This decadent dessert pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. For an extra festive touch, serve alongside mulled wine or rich hot chocolate to complement the intense chocolate flavors while warming your guests from within.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the yule log on a rustic wooden board adorned with pine cones and cinnamon sticks to create a cozy, woodland-inspired centerpiece. Alternatively, slice the log into generous portions and plate with a drizzle of salted caramel sauce or a sprinkle of toasted nuts to add delightful texture and variety.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Chocolate Biscuit Yule Log Recipe keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to five days when wrapped tightly in clingfilm or placed in an airtight container. The flavors deepen as it sits, so leftovers can actually taste even better the next day!

Freezing

Freeze uncut yule logs by wrapping them in clingfilm and foil to protect against freezer burn, where they’ll stay good for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

This dessert is best enjoyed chilled, so reheating isn’t necessary. If the ganache hardens too much in the fridge, leave the log at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to soften before slicing to avoid cracking.

FAQs

Can I use different biscuits instead of Bourbon biscuits?

Absolutely! While Bourbon biscuits lend a distinct chocolatey crunch, you can substitute with digestive biscuits, graham crackers, or any chocolate-flavored biscuits you love. Just keep the quantity the same to maintain the right texture.

Is this recipe suitable for beginners?

Yes! The Chocolate Biscuit Yule Log Recipe is surprisingly simple since you don’t need baking skills or complicated techniques. With clear steps and common ingredients, it’s perfect even if you’re new to making desserts.

Can I make this yule log vegan?

You can adapt it by choosing dairy-free butter and cream alternatives, and vegan dark chocolate. Just keep an eye on the texture—sometimes minor tweaks in moisture may be needed for the perfect consistency.

Can I prepare the biscuit base a day in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the biscuit base and buttercream a day ahead, keep them refrigerated, and assemble the log the next day. This breaks up the work and allows the flavors to settle nicely before rolling and chilling.

What’s the best way to cut neat slices?

Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry before slicing each piece. The heat helps cut smoothly through the ganache and biscuit layers without cracking or crumbling.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the Chocolate Biscuit Yule Log Recipe that makes it a festive favorite worth sharing year after year. Its rich layers of chocolate, crumbly biscuit, and creamy filling are a hug in dessert form—guaranteed to bring warmth and joy to your celebrations. Give it a try, and watch it become a beloved tradition on your holiday table!